Shows
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesAI in schools: harnessing the potential, protecting the humanHow do we prepare for the changing world of AI? James Browning, COO at Lift Schools, encourages us to think of artificial intelligence as a collaborator for tackling real world problems, not just tools and fancy tech. We reflect on his organisation’s journey so far, the potential positives of AI, and protecting what matters.
Can AI help personalise learning? Reduce workload? Support high quality thinking?
How do we ensure AI doesn’t exacerbate educational inequality?
How can the Three Horizons framework support your planning?
How is AI saving time for staff? What do pupils need to know about...
2026-02-2433 minCreating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesFrom prom shop to polytunnel: sustaining eco-activity in school‘Things don't happen overnight... You've got to be in this for the long haul.’
Drawing on her 15 years’ experience as a school sustainability director, Wendy Litherland shares lessons learned in getting staff, pupils, governors and community members engaged in eco-action. How do you sustain impact and bring people together? Wendy talks about:
Why making friends with the caretaker is your first priority
Building bridges with the cleaners by minding muddy feet
Learning from the wealth of experience in the PTA (as well as fundraising with them)
Getting from jumble sale vibes to a popular prom shop
The imp...
2026-02-1035 minCreating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesHow do we create a sustainable SEND system?‘Not only is it unsustainable, but it’s not delivering results.’ We bring together Benedicte Yue’s passion for inclusion with her financial expertise for a deep dive into the world of SEND.
What’s making the current system unsustainable? What are the barriers to a more inclusive system? What would a more equitable and effective approach look like? Who can we learn from? And what needs to change in terms of accountability for this to work?
‘We must transition from a narrow individual focus on accountability to a collaborative system.’
Benedicte Yue is Chief Financi...
2026-01-2736 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesCrisis recovery in schools: ‘it will get better’‘One of the things that I'm really aware of at the moment is so many school leaders are in this stage of it feels like it's one crisis after another. The perma-crisis. One more domino and another then another.’
Paul K Ainsworth shares how reading emergency planner Lucy Easthope’s book Come What May: Life-Changing Lessons for Coping with Crisis resonated with his experience of what happens when things go wrong in schools.
Drawing on Lucy Easthope’s lessons, Paul talks about the phases of recovery, the dangers of hopium, acknowledging that it takes time for things...
2026-01-1334 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesWhat do we mean when we talk about sustainability?What does it mean to work sustainably or build a more sustainable organisation? Is it all about the environment? Drawing on contributions from podcast guests, host Liz Worthen questions what we mean when we talk about sustainability. What are the ingredients for a sustainable organisation and development? What does that look like for schools and education settings?
Liz Worthen is an educator, researcher, podcaster and writer. Her career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development, creating resources which enable leaders to flourish in their roles. Creating Value in Schools is about the exploration of sustainable w...
2025-12-3010 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesUnbound SBLs: sector support and striving for excellenceHost Liz Worthen gets together with school business leadership champions Helen Burge and Emma Gray to find out what they’ve been up to this term.
Questions arising include:
Who’s responsible for income generation in a school setting?
Why does integrated curriculum finance planning (ICFP) matter?
Where can school business managers, leaders or professionals turn to for support?
How does standing in a corridor full of teenagers help restore your vitality?
What is operational excellence, and why do we need it?
Is sherry making a comeback?
Why young people need trusted adults in their lives.
Both Em...
2025-12-1632 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesSurviving the intensity of school life: lessons from leadersWhat enables people to keep calm and carry on in the overwhelming intensity of school life? What helps people keep going, avoid burnout, and stay focused on the things that matter?
Host Liz Worthen draws on lessons learned by previous podcast guests. What keeps them energised? What keeps them going?
Start with your why.
Stay focused on your priorities.
Don’t sweat if it doesn’t all go to plan. Things will happen!
Take opportunities for creative problem solving.
Remember to rest… and count the flowers.
‘You need to keep pulling yourself back to those as priorit...
2025-12-0212 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesKnow your place: how to tackle inequality in educationHow do we tackle the impact of poverty and disadvantage in our schools? Is education alone enough to combat inequality? What does it mean to be furiously curious about the causes of inequality and what can we do about it? Are you ready to be a graceful disruptor?
Host Liz Worthen talks to Sean Harris, aka That Poverty Guy, about why place matters, life in the Tees Valley, what it means to be a civil architect in practice, and the importance of listening. If he had the ear of the education secretary, what would he ask for?
2025-11-1834 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesLet the children lead: growing greener schools and communities‘Make sure that children are there leading on these projects. Because if they're leading, then they're more likely to want to carry it on and encourage teachers, the community and their families to get involved too.’
Host Liz Worthen talks to Edd Moore about his experience of inspiring pupils with eco-projects in schools, integrating learning into the curriculum, and engaging families and communities in the process. Questions addressed include:
How do you get started on the greener school journey?
Why does waste matter?
How do you get others on board?
How do you get from a scho...
2025-09-3021 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesKeep sight of your North Star: navigating the school business landscape‘So if school business professionals are engaged and supported to adapt, I truly believe that the role can become more impactful, more strategic, and better recognised.’
Host Liz Worthen chats with award-winning CFO Benedicte Yue about thriving in a tough funding climate. From making smarter financial decisions to empowering your team, harnessing tech, and driving real community impact, Benedicte shares practical strategies and big-picture inspiration for school leaders who want to do more than just survive.
‘All these operational functions are really enablers to achieve wider goals and we should never lose sight of the North...
2025-09-0233 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesFood for thoughtWhat’s the problem with free school meal funding? Where does your food come from, and where does it end up?
In this extract from our longer conversation, host Liz Worthen talks to school business leaders Emma Gray and Helen Burge talk about why food is high on the school agenda, with challenges around:
funding for and access to free school meals
rising catering costs
food miles and sustainability
the financial and environmental cost of food waste.
Top tip: whatever you do, do not put your food waste in the general waste bin!
Information an...
2025-08-1205 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesFrom food waste to future-proofing: the SBL year in review'Sometimes the smallest thing can be a game changer.'
School business leadership champions Emma Gray and Helen Burge join Liz Worthen for SBLs Unbound: a candid conversation on what’s surprised, challenged and inspired in schools this year. From budget stress and staff turnover to sustainability and school meals, they share tips to help SBLs thrive, not just survive.
No two schools are alike. Despite national policies, schools operate in wildly different ways. Don’t assume uniformity – sharing ideas across settings can reveal practical, low-effort wins.
Sustainability needs leadership. Sustainability won’t stick unless it’s champion...
2025-07-3133 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesAvoiding and addressing staff burnout in schools‘Booking a wellbeing day where staff get to choose a wellbeing activity is not going to solve the systemic issues when it comes to mental health and wellbeing, particularly for those individuals with protected characteristics.’
Education and mental health consultant Nicola Harvey shares practical tools and powerful insights to help schools tackle burnout, boost wellbeing and build inclusive environments.
Burnout is real – and everywhere. If you're constantly overwhelmed, it’s not “just tired” – it might be burnout. Learn the signs and take them seriously.
Representation matters. Staff and students from global majority backgrounds face added pressures due to racism...
2025-07-2432 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesUsing the PERMA model in schoolsEducation and mental health consultant Nicola Harvey explains the PERMA model. Developed by Martin Seligman, it’s a positive psychology model, and a tool for reflecting on different aspects of our wellness. Useful for both staff and students!
P = positive emotion
E = engagement
R = relationships
M = meaning
A = accomplishment
Full episode with Nicola coming soon, where we talk about staff burnout. What it is, why it’s prevalent in schools, and how to try and stop it happening.
Find out more about Nicola Harvey's work: www.harveyheals.com
Sign up for updates: createvalueschools.com/subscribe
#susta...
2025-07-2103 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesBe kind: how to entice teachers and governors into our schools‘We need to take the pressure off.’
Chair of governors and experienced educator John Viner talks candidly about pressure points and retention challenges, along with creative solutions to attract and keep talent in our schools.
The teacher shortage is real and worsening, with multiple pressures driving people away.
Be kind: school leaders need to create supportive environments where teachers feel valued and believed in.
Get creative with recruitment routes: don't just look for traditional graduates.
Governor recruitment needs fresh thinking too: ditch the endless committee meetings, tap into local networks, and remember you don't need education expe...
2025-06-0328 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesOptimism and opportunity: creating an income generation culture‘You never know what’s out there until you try.’
Justin Smith, specialist in marketing and income generation support for schools, shares lessons learned on the path to fundraising and shows why relationships matter.
Culture and leadership matter. If school leaders and governors are on board, everything else becomes easier.
Cash isn’t the only win. Income generation includes donations, partnerships, skills, volunteer time – even equipment loans.
It’s all about relationships. People give when they care. Build connections, understand motivations, and let others feel part of the school’s success story.
More from the Creating Value...
2025-05-0237 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesListening to the community: diversity and inclusion strategies for lasting impact'So if you're not listening, then you know, what are you doing?'
How do you drive real change in schools through DEI? Aldaine Wynter, Director of International-Mindedness, Diversity and Inclusion, shares his journey, strategies, and the impact of meaningful community engagement.
Suggestions from Aldaine
Start by listening. Before diving into big initiatives, take time to understand your school community’s needs.
Make DEI part of the culture. Whether it’s curriculum audits, book clubs, or community spotlights, integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into school life, not just one-off events.
Use data to drive change. Surveys and ev...
2025-04-0437 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesCall them honest: conversations to empower, understand and resolve'It’s about developing a relationship, it's about developing somebody's work, it's about the truth.'
Do you dread tough conversations? Nickii Messer shares how to reframe them as ‘honest conversations’, build trust, and keep a focus on what matters – the life chances and wellbeing of children in the school.
Top tips from Nickii:
Avoidance makes it worse
Listen to understand, not just to fix
Believe in yourself and take action.
Find out more on the Creating Value in Schools blog
2025-03-0526 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesEnjoy what you do: hope, joy and staying powerGive people an experience that they genuinely enjoy, so they want to stick around.
What keeps people in the teaching profession? Headteachers Josephine Smith and Carl Smith discuss staying power, joy and why retention matters.
Finding joy in the job keeps people in education long-term.
Staying power comes from feeling like you’re doing well and making a difference.
Stay curious. Keep reading and engaging with education.
Find out more on the Creating Value in Schools blog
2025-02-0431 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesLooking ahead: what can we expect from education policy in the upcoming year?There’s a lot in the air, and a lot on the table.
Caroline Doherty, Head of Public Affairs at Ark, considers potential changes ahead.
What’s happening with the Ofsted report cards?
What are the implications for accountability systems?
What does it mean to have a truly inclusive education system, and do we have the workforce to provide it?
Do we have a reason to be cheerful in Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson?
Get more inspiration from the Creating Value in Schools blog.
2025-01-3009 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesYou can't turn off the machine: investing time in school leadershipCaroline Doherty, Head of Public Affairs at Ark, reflects on the challenge of balancing innovation and improvement alongside the daily realities of school life.
Tips from Caroline
You can't do everything. Recognise limits and embrace the unpredictability of school life.
Prioritise your time. Identify your key goals and align your daily actions to move them forward.
Meetings aren't always the answer. Explore alternatives like shared documents or messaging systems to save time.
Flexible leadership works. Empowering teams with autonomy can improve retention, decision-making, and overall effectiveness – part-time senior leadership is possible with the right structure.
Find...
2025-01-2924 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesSeeking the co-benefits: people, planet – and financial efficiencyChief Finance and Sustainability Officer Paul Edmond explains why asking questions is essential to a sustainability journey – but ‘can we afford it?’ is now last on his list.
Tips from Paul
Sustainability is everyone's job. Tackling climate action in schools isn't about one person or department – it’s a team effort. Engage everyone and start conversations to bring people on board.
Quick wins are within reach. Small steps like reducing food and energy waste can cut costs and carbon footprints.
Look for co-benefits. Many actions, like improving biodiversity or rethinking school uniforms, offer multiple wins – environmental, financial, and...
2025-01-2625 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesKeep going: routes to sustainable improvement and finding your whyPaul K. Ainsworth shares his strategies for a sustainable, step-by-step, people-centred approach to school improvement.
Tips from Paul
Be adaptable: there’s no one-size fits all approach to school improvement. Consider what’s needed for your context.
Be consistent: consistency in schools is about a shared understanding and approach, rather than making everything identical.
Be people-centred: evaluate with honesty, plan with empathy, execute with confidence and review with humility.
Be a coach: your most important role is helping others improve, whether it's headteachers, senior leaders, or teachers.
Think marginal gains, not silver bullets: there are no quick fixe...
2025-01-2232 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesThe art of balance: survival skills for school leadersHow do you stay sane in the intensity of school leadership? In the second part of our conversation, Josephine Smith talks about knowing your priorities, knowing yourself and fostering balance.
Tips from Jo:
Start with clear priorities: Use your school’s vision and development plan as a guide.
Don’t get distracted: Politely delay less urgent requests, balancing the needs of others with your priorities.
Manage your stress: Invest in mental health training for staff to better support themselves and each other.
Know your strengths: Be self-aware. Recognise when to delegate tasks and let your team shine. ...
2025-01-2221 min
Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resourcesNavigating the unexpected: advice for school leadersA flexible, responsive school leader is going to stay so much saner.
Headteacher Josephine Smith shares what she’s learned about maintaining poise and positivity in the face of things you can’t control.
Top tips from Jo:
Accept that not everything in school leadership can be controlled. Unexpected events are part of the role!
Embrace creativity when facing uncontrollable challenges. Try and view these moments as opportunities to think creatively and adapt.
Build a supportive professional network to share resources, seek advice and generate solutions.
A strong network not only helps with practical proble...
2025-01-2209 min
Experience Motherhood15. Exploring 'Good Enough' in Motherhood: Your Story's Unique Perspective with Jenna WorthenYou aren’t a “working mom”, but a “mom who works”. Join me and my guest, Jenna Worthen, as we discuss the challenges moms face such as feeling unworthy, comparison and figuring out how to have it all in motherhood by redefining what “all” is.Jenna Worthen, MPM, is the Founder and CEO of the James Martin Company, a political and nonprofit consulting company focused on intentional development strategies. Jenna is a @MomWhoWorks and curates an online community for women to redefine what it means to be a working mom in a world without working dads. She lives in Oklah...
2023-09-1946 min
The Pregnancy to Parenting Show with Elizabeth JoyEp 255: How to Be a Working Mom When There are No Working Dads with Jenna WorthenJENNA WORTHEN is the founder of Mom Who Works, an organization that aims to support working mothers. Jenna is tired of all of the biases that come with the term "working mother" - less pay and career mobility, unnecessary bias, and mom guilt, to name a few. Her new book, Mom Who Works, supports the working mothers who live in a world without the phrase "working dads" by teaching actionable strategies to seamlessly incorporate the Mother in you into each and every part of your life. Check out Jenna's book: https://www.momwhoworks.com/ htt...
2023-02-271h 03
Talk Music Talk with boiceTMT 226: Sam PearcePast guest Sam Pearce returns to TMT on the eve of two new projects: Hold Me Rare Animal, the just-released EP and a full-length (Bay State) arriving later in the year. While the singer- songwriter’s Bay State album bears the marking of a complete artistic statement, the EP is a collection of meaningful moments. All Bandcamp proceeds from Hold Me Rare Animal will benefit The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. [This episode features “Honey” and “Beginners” from Hold Me Rare Animal in their entirety.] Visit Sam Pearce online: https://samuelpearce.bandcamp.com https://instagram.com/sampear...
2021-03-051h 01
Finding CenterQualities of an Effective LeaderQualities of an Effective Leader
We first hear from Peggy S. Worthen in her devotional address "Choose to Be a Leader." Full audio, video, and transcript available at:
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/peggy-s-worthen/choose-to-be-a-leader/
Next, we hear Liz Wiseman's forum address "The Power of Not Knowing." Full audio, video, and transcript available at:
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/liz-wiseman/the-power-of-not-knowing/
2020-06-2550 min
Talk Music Talk with boiceTMT 175: Samuel WorthenIt's always refreshing to catch a talented artist carving their path into a career that will be filled with highlights. Such is the case with singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Samuel Worthen. Maybe you recognize his face from his modeling gigs, but that's just a day job until your fall in love with his voice. Over the past year he's been refining his sound with top-notch singles including the latest “1 on 1” which is included in this episode along with 2018’s “Talk to Me”. Visit Samuel Worthen online: https://samuelworthen.bandcamp.com https://www.instagram.com/samuel.worthen
2019-02-151h 19